Play a Role in Conservation: Name the Baby Orangutan and Support His Bright Future
In a heartwarming turn of events, Blackpool Zoo in the United Kingdom has welcomed the birth of a baby male orangutan, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to save this endangered species.
The birth, which occurred in June 2023, represents the first Bornean orangutan born at the zoo in two decades, giving renewed hope for the conservation of these magnificent creatures.
Bornean orangutans, a species that has been classified as critically endangered since 2016, have faced a substantial decline in population numbers, making this recent addition to the zoo’s family a cause for celebration. According to estimates by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), there are now just slightly over 100,000 Bornean orangutans remaining in their natural habitat.
Director of Blackpool Zoo, Darren Webster, expressed his joy and the significance of this momentous occasion. “The arrival of this very special baby is wonderful news, not just for us here at Blackpool Zoo, but for the species too,” Webster stated in a press release.
The proud mother, Jingga, who is 13 years old, gave birth to her baby in the early hours of Wednesday, June 14th.
Jingga arrived at the zoo in 2017 from Barcelona, Spain, while the baby’s father, Kawan, also 13 years old, joined her last year, originating from Apenheul Zoo in the Netherlands. Kawan’s arrival was met with popularity among the female orangutans, according to zookeepers.
Webster explained that the birth of this baby orangutan follows a deliberate strategy to create a breeding group aimed at safeguarding the future of the Bornean orangutan species.
He mentioned, “One of our resident females, Summer, was the last baby to be born here, and we have been working hard to create a breeding group to help safeguard the future of this magnificent species.”
The decision to bring Kawan to Blackpool Zoo was based on extensive consultations with experts from the European Endangered Species Program, as well as specialist keepers from various countries. It was a well-thought-out move, and it ultimately led to the success story of Ramon, who moved to a different group in Germany and has now become a father himself.
In an exciting twist, the zoo is now reaching out to the public to play a role in naming the adorable baby orangutan.
A Facebook fundraiser has been initiated by zoo officials, inviting individuals to make a small donation to the Orangutan Foundation. In exchange for their contribution, donors will have a chance to suggest a name for the young orangutan.
The Orangutan Foundation, dedicated to the preservation of these critically endangered creatures, works diligently to protect their natural habitats, collaborate with local communities, and promote research and education efforts.
This heartwarming story reminds us of the importance of conservation and collective efforts to protect endangered species like the Bornean orangutan. By participating in the naming fundraiser, individuals not only get the chance to leave a lasting legacy but also contribute to the vital work carried out by organizations like the Orangutan Foundation in securing a brighter future for these incredible animals.
